These images show: a thunderstorm, a radar image of a thunderstorm, activities where people need to take caution because they are in potential danger due to a thunderstorm, and a weather radio. Images Courtesy of NOAA Photo Library, NOAA Central Library; OAR/ERL/National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), National Weather Service Forecast Office of Louisville, KY, Alicia Pearce, Mitchell Shmiga

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Thunderstorm Safety

Thunderstorms can be really dangerous! Flash floods, lightning
bolts, hail, tornadoes...all of these
things can hurt you if you're not careful. So here's some safety tips.

GO INSIDE! If you hear distant thunder or see a flash of light, get
indoors immediately. Seek shelter from sturdy buildings, not
lean-tos or outhouses. You can stay in a car if that is your only
option, but do not touch any of the metal on the car. If you cannot find
shelter, stay away from
tall, isolated objects such as trees, poles, or posts. Make sure that
you are not the tallest object by crouching down.
Crouch down, bend forward, and grab your ankles. Keep your head down.
Do not lie flat on the ground and try to keep out of puddles or other
standing water.

If you can get into a house or
school, go down
to either the basement or a room that is in the center of the building.
Stay away from windows. That way, if a tornado touches down, you'll be
safe.

Do not use a phone or a computer
during a thunderstorm. Do not take a shower or wash dishes. Lightning
can strike the plumbing or electrical wires
that connect to your house and give you an electrical shock if you use
these items.

After the storm passes, wait about half an hour before leaving the house.
Lightning can still be prevalent in the sky, and more storms may come.
If there are downed power lines anywhere around you, DO NOT touch them.
Call your electrical company and have them take care of it.

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